Abstract
The genus Hypericum is known worldwide for its traditional and modern uses. Therefore, an attempt has been made to assess the diversity, distribution and indigenous uses of the species of this genus in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). A total of 27 species of Hypericum were recorded from the IHR, of these 17 were economically important. Thirteen species were native to the Himalayan region, 3 were endemic and 6 were near endemic species. Amongst the species, Hypericum perforatum was the most valued species used for fuel, fodder, dying and medicine, and for the extraction of hypericin. Due to over exploitation of this species for the pharmaceutical industries, the natural populations of this species are depleting fast and this species have been placed under vulnerable category of the IUCN. Similarly, due to multiple utility of the H. choisanum, H. oblongifolium and H. sampsonii, these species are also facing high pressures. It is expected that like H. perforatum, other species of Hypericum may have high concentration of hypericin. Therefore, chemical extraction of these species has been suggested for the identification of potential of these species. The population assessment using standard ecological methods and development of propagation protocol have been suggested.
Recommended Citation
Butola, Jitendra S.; Pant, Shreekar; and Samant, S. S.
(2007)
"Diversity, Distribution and Indigenous Uses of the Hypericum Species in Indian Himalayan Region,"
Ethnobotanical Leaflets: Vol. 2007:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ebl/vol2007/iss1/4